chain gang

noun

plural chain gangs
: a group of people (such as convicts) chained together especially as an outside working party

Examples of chain gang in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This system could replace the traditional chain gang used to measure for first downs, though the chain method would remain available as a backup. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025 But artificial intelligence and new technology could soon make the chain gang obsolete, with an advanced system known as Hawk-Eye aspiring to make the game faster and more accurate by mashing together high-tech software with a lot of cameras. Brian Cheung, NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025 Videos posted to social media showed a member of the chain gang collapsed on the sideline and medical staff attending to the person. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 15 Sep. 2024 Miller said that despite testing such technology, along with the use of chain gangs this preseason, the NFL isn’t yet ready to move forward with this change. Mike Jones, The Athletic, 29 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chain gang 

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chain gang was in 1813

Dictionary Entries Near chain gang

Cite this Entry

“Chain gang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chain%20gang. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Legal Definition

chain gang

noun
: a group of convicts chained together especially to work outside a prison
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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